Mutual Support Approaches

Supporting our neighbors when they need help can go by several terms such as co-care, neighborly care, mutual care, co-healing, and mutual support.  In this interactive and engaging workshop, we look at several models and strategies—formalized and informal—for how members are caring for one another – in senior and multi-generational communities.  For seniors, this is an essential component for aging in place successfully.  It can also be a critical support mechanism for temporary health conditions of any age neighbors such as recovery from an injury or surgery, birth of a baby (or two), or being treated for short-term illnesses.  Communities need to also be proactive and have agreements about how they will deal with a neighbor who needs to go beyond informal support and get outside assistance or even move out.  Communities try to be clear with newcomers and exploring members that they are NOT assisted living entities.  

This workshop will be facilitated by members of the CohoUS Seniors in Cohousing Committee with guest panelists from senior and multi-generational communities.